If USC holds out any hope of upsetting Oregon this weekend, it’s imperative two Trojans are on the field as much as possible -- quarterback Matt Barkley and wide receiver Robert Woods.
Half of one of the most talented passing combos in the country is ailing, however, and may be not be available for the game in Eugene. At least, that’s what Lane Kiffin is putting out there for public consumption, although we all know the head coach would never BS or... hey, wait a minute...
Anyway, Kiffin said earlier Wednesday that Woods did not practice today due to ankle and shoulder issues. He’s officially listed as questionable three days ahead of the Ducks game.
In illustrating to the media in attendance just how injured Woods really is, Kiffin was either being brutally honest or laying it on a wee bit thick.
“If you look at the last two games and yesterday, he’s going in the wrong direction,’' Kiffin said. “We have (scout) team corners he can’t go by right now.”
OK then.
If Kiffin is indeed being transparent and Woods is unable to go, it would be a huge boon for a Ducks team working its way back into the BcS title game mix. The sophomore is currently fifth in the country in receptions per game (12.2) and ninth in receiving yards (112.6).